Health care providers are constantly taking care of others in this selfless profession. When it comes to travel healthcare, are there enough resources to take care of the healthcare workers themselves?
Fortunately, many travel-work opportunities provide benefits such as a more flexible schedule, good compensation, and the chance to explore new places and people.
While these conditions can contribute to a healthier work-life balance, there are mental health challenges that healthcare providers face which aren't discussed often enough.
The Stress of New Environments
Starting a new job, especially in a new city, is an exciting challenge. From figuring out the new work culture and flow to finding a temporary place to call “home,” it can cause uncertainty in some. Making sure that a traveler feels supported both professionally and personally is important to Pioneer, especially during the initial transition. Quality sleep, human connection, and the basic needs of having a home you feel comfortable in are crucial aspects of maintaining basic self-care.
Travel Affects Your Quality Sleep
Moving can be stressful for anyone, so it’s not unnatural that sleep can be compromised during this time. Making the move to the new destination at least a week before the contract starts and settling in can get you ready for a steadier start to your journey, whether it’s a 13-week contract or an entire school year. Pioneer recruiters try to make this especially simple for you. Housing is a deeply personal choice, as the comfort of your stay can reflect your entire travel experience, so we provide multiple housing opportunities to make this as simple as possible.
Leaving Your Family and Friends Behind
For some, it can be easy to mingle with strangers and build organic connections. For others, and depending on the circumstances, it can be difficult. Without the security of feeling connected to a community, feelings of isolation can occur, which directly affect anxiety and work production. Our goal in the next year at Pioneer is to start creating social opportunities for fellow travelers to meet up to encourage social engagement within your community. It’s no secret that a big part of immersing oneself into the culture of a new destination is meeting the people.
Maintaining a Healthy Mind and Body
Staying physically active and incorporating meditation into your routine can significantly help manage the stress and anxiety that come with new environments. Regular exercise boosts endorphins, helping you stay positive and energized, while meditation provides a mental break, allowing you to stay centered amidst the chaos of transitioning to a new job and city. We encourage our travelers to explore local gyms, parks, and yoga studios as part of their self-care routine.
Your Personal Support System
For many, travel is done individually, leaving friends and family behind for a while. It’s crucial that during the transitional process, travelers feel emotionally supported on their new adventure. Our goal at Pioneer is to build and sustain a relationship with all healthcare professionals so that no one feels alone on this journey.
If you are a healthcare provider traveling and perhaps feeling the strains, we are here to help you with resources, whether that be connecting you with other professionals or communities around you. At the end of the day, travel healthcare workers are doing a lot to help patients and students in facilities with shortages while professionally exploring new opportunities. We are here to help you experience the best parts of travel healthcare while we handle the nitty-gritty details, so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.
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